Hand Grip for Forearm Stock of Rifles, Muzzleloaders, and Crossbows

ABSTRACT

The invention includes a secondary grip for a rifle or for another shoulder firearm, such as a muzzleloader. This secondary grip is permanently or temporarily attached or affixed to the firearm to improve stability or control when aiming the firearm. Some embodiments disclose a stacked back secondary grip that attaches in vertical alignment with the barrel. Alternate embodiments disclose a secondary grip at a 90 degree angle.

PRIORITY APPLICATION

This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/458,070, filed Nov. 17, 2010, titled “HAND GRIP FOR FOREARM STOCK OF RIFLES, MUZZLELOADERS, AND CROSSBOWS” having Douglas Sweet named as the inventor and which is incorporated herein by references as, if set forth in full below.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and its figures contain material subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a firearm. More specifically, it pertains to a secondary grip for a rifle or for another shoulder firearm, such as a muzzleloader. This secondary grip is permanently or temporarily attached or affixed to the firearm to improve stability or control when aiming the firearm.

The accuracy of firing a conventional firearm depends upon the ability of a user holding the firearm to maintain his or, her hand and/or wrist in a steady position while aiming.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The exemplary embodiments, objects, uses, advantages, and novel features are more clearly understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying figures wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a rifle with an attached secondary grip attached at a 90-degree angle in accordance with some of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 a illustrates an exploded perspective side view of the secondary grip of FIG. 1 showing details of a slide-and-lock mechanism according to some of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective side view of secondary grip affixed beneath the barrel of a rifle according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 a illustrates an exploded perspective side view of the secondary grip of FIG. 2 showing details of an alternate attachment to the barrel of the rifle according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective side view of a stacked back secondary grip according to some of the embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective side view of a secondary vertical grip according to some of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective side view illustrating three positioning points of a rifle that includes the secondary grip according to some of the embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any configuration or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily construed as preferred or advantageous over other configurations or designs. This invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings and two included prototypes that depict some of the exemplary embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, two exemplary secondary grips 300 and 400 are shown from a perspective side view. Each of these secondary grips 300 and 400 are adaptable for a first or thumbs up hand position. According to FIG. 3, the secondary. grip 300 can have a flat top ledge 310 that provides an upper lip that may be helpful in positioning one's grip of secondary grip 300. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, the secondary grip may include a sloped or slightly indented top ledge 410 to provide what might feel like a seamless grip. Secondary grip 300 comprises a stacked-back design indicated by a degree of angle x relative to the axes shown on FIG. 3. Secondary grip 300 includes three ledges 321, 323, and 324 separating two internal cavities 322 and 324 for finger or digit placement. The first ledge 321 is farther forward than the second 323 and third 324 ledges. Furthermore, secondary grip 300 includes a bottom portion 325 that allows for an-optional, additional surface for a user to place his or her pinky finger, thus allowing'for one's hand to squeeze the grip 300 by pressing one's pinky (not shown) into the grip 300 in opposition to one's palm (not shown); or by allowing pinky finger and bottom of hand furthest from thumb to rest on ground, shooting table, or barrel mount, as not to transfer shock to said object beneath firearm and secondary grip.

Secondary grip 400 of FIG. 4 includes a body portion at angle y that is complimentary to a 90-degree angle. All three ledges 422, 424, 426 separating internal cavities 421, 423, and 425 are nearly vertically aligned in. relation to one another. Accordingly, the configuration of these nearly, vertically aligned ledges 422, 424, 426 and cavities 421, 423, 425 may provide an improved grip for a user having smaller hands (not shown). Both secondary grips 300 and 400 may comprise a smooth surface, a riveted, textured or rough surface or combinations thereof. The grips may be made out of natural materials (e.g., wood, metals, etc.), man-made materials (e.g., plastic components) and combinations thereof.

FIGS. 1, 1 a, 2 and 2 a illustrate two different secondary grips 110 and 210 that depict two different mounting options as well as two different angles for mounting the secondary grips 110 and 210. Referring now to FIG. 1, a secondary grip 110 is from a perspective side view mounted on a firearm 100. Firearm 100 represents a rifle. FIG. 1 displays the grip 110 mounted at a 90-degree angle.

Firearm 100 includes a barrel 150 and a barrel gunstock forearm 140. The shroud 140 is for protection from any heat transferred from the barrel 150, as well as for hand placement to stabilize and control the firearm.

Rifle 100 includes secondary grip 110 positioned along the barrel shroud 140 from a point where the barrel 140 meets the shroud 150 and where the barrel 140 reaches the trigger 160. The reference line 130 shows the surface range where the secondary grip 110 may be mounted.

The secondary grip 110 in FIG. 1 a mounts by a slide-and-lock mechanism 120 that includes a groove 122 along the barrel shroud 140 that mates with a slide portion 124 of the secondary grip 110 and includes a lock mechanism 126 to securely position the mated hardware.

In considering the manner of orientation depicted in FIGS. 1, 1 a, 2 and 2 a, the invention grip has two different mounting options as well as two different possible mounted angles. FIG. 1 displays the grip 110 mounted at a 90-degree angle. FIG. 2 illustrates a secondary grip 210 positioned directly underneath the barrel shroud 220. FIG. 2 a depicts an alternate means for attaching secondary grip 210 than the slide and lock embodiment shown in FIG. 1 a. According to FIG. 2 a, the barrel shroud 220 has apertures 224 to secure screws 222 from which to affix the secondary grip 210. The barrel shroud 220 includes apertures 224 to secure the screws 222. These apertures along a surface of the barrel shroud 220 are in the approximate range indicated by reference line 230. Still further, the top surface area of the secondary grip 210 may also have an epoxy or glue (not shown) that is used in conjunction with the screws 222 and apertures 224. Either of the mounting options shown in. FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 may be selected by a user. The choices provide for greater range of options for the individual and his or her preferences.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a user is positioning a firearm with a secondary grip 510 according to some of the embodiments. As shown, there are three points of contact that include a forward hand 570 on the secondary grip 510, a rear hand shown on a trigger portion 560, and a complimentary should 550, thus aiding the user to better secure and stabilize the firearm in use. By placing the secondary grip 510 on the ground for single arm operation all three points of contact are maintained and thus still able to keep increased stability.

According to some of the embodiments, the grips described herein may be manufactured from man-made materials, natural materials and combinations thereof. For example, the grips may include rubber, wood, and synthetic material. Still further, the grips may be solid, hollowed, or semi-hollowed components. The grips provide an additional position to secure the firearm. Having a forward secondary grip may provide improved stabilization, control, and/or increased, accuracy. A forward secondary grip might also aid in aiming the firearm and maintain improved rear arm stability. The method of attaching or affixing the secondary grip may include, but is not limited to, gluing, apertures and screws, molding technologies, using a slide and locking mechanism, combinations thereof, as well as other equivalent means. The different means of attachment enable the location of the secondary grip at a custom placement that is best suited for each individual user taking into account that user's arm length, grips, and other considerations. An adjustable secondary grip location could allow for several different hand placements both rotationally and longitudinally. The placement of the secondary grip can be directly underneath the barrel of the firearm or alternatively tilted at an angle relative to the barrel shroud of the firearm.

While the description of the invention is particular to material, shape, and method of affixing to a firearm, it should be. understood that this detailed description is by way of example only, and the protection granted is to be limited only within the spirit of the invention. For example, the secondary grip is applicable to both right-handed and left-handed users. Alternatively, if a user only has one arm or if the user opts to use one arm and the secondary grip, then the secondary grip may be mounted or rested on the earth or in barrel mounts for aiming. 

1. An apparatus that includes all patentable subject matter set forth in the application and drawings and respectfully invokes MPEP Rule 707.17(j). 